Controlling Your Lower Back Pain

When we are in pain, it is our instinct to avoid moving. We may think the pain will just go away if we stay in bed. However, this tactic does not work for lower back pain. In fact, it can make the problem worse. Here are some tips on how to get up and get moving to relieve that nagging back pain.

The first step, of course, should be to consult your doctor if back pain does not go away in a few days. If it is just a matter of overdoing some activity, the pain may be temporary. It may be relieved by over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medications. Rest may result in a cure, but for people with chronic lower back pain, a different effort is needed. Together with your doctor you can develop a treatment program that can relieve your long term pain and bring you back to an active life.

Relieving pressure and strain on your spine can be achieved through strengthening the muscles that support an upright posture. A sedentary lifestyle, such as working all day at a desk, can cause the abdominal muscles to become weak. These muscles support the upright posture necessary for a healthy back. If you are overweight, the problem is intensified. Extra weight around your mid-section strains the back. One of the first things you want to do is lose weight. This will relieve pressure on the spine, and also make it easier for you to maintain good posture.

Add exercises to strengthen the mid-section muscles, and you have a winning formula for easing lower back pain. Develop an exercise program that is low-impact, including things like walking and/or swimming, which are both excellent choices. Do something you enjoy, and find a group to do it with if possible. This will help keep you going. The group will give you support and encouragement. They will notice if you are not there. People who join a group exercise program are less likely to quit than people who do it on their own.

Serious injury to the spine, such as herniated discs, may make surgery necessary. But the efforts described above can keep your back problem from degenerating to the point where it needs surgery. Avoiding this is just good sense.

Stretching exercises are also crucial in relieving back pain. Overall programs such as yoga will make your muscles strong and flexible. This is especially helpful for the spine. The spine supports much of your body weight. It has a tough job. If it is over-stressed, it will begin to degenerate. Small cartilage discs ease stress and absorb impact between the vertebrae in your spinal column. If these discs begin to deteriorate due to age, being overweight, improper lifting, a bad mattress or any other cause of strain to your back, serious back injury can result.

Be kind to your back. Do what is needed to keep it strong and flexible. You will be rewarded with relief from back pain and the ability to lead a more active life. Follow the tips given here and you will be on your way to relieving and preventing lower back pain.

Controlling Your Lower Back Pain was last modified: November 25th, 2013 by Peter Larsen